Description
Strawberry Crunch Bars are a creamy, fruity, easy dessert bar with a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry topping, and irresistible cookie crunch. Perfect for summer parties, holiday trays, potlucks, and everyday food ideas, this easy recipe delivers quick dessert inspiration with bakery-style flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whipped topping
3 cups strawberries, chopped
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
18 golden sandwich cookies, crushed
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 8 tablespoons melted butter until combined.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then let it cool completely.
5. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
6. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
7. Fold in the whipped topping until the filling is light and fluffy.
8. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
9. Add the chopped strawberries, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a saucepan.
10. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the strawberry mixture thickens.
11. Let the strawberry topping cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
12. Spoon the strawberry layer over the cream cheese filling and spread gently.
13. Combine the crushed golden sandwich cookies, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
14. Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
15. Chill the bars for at least 4 hours until firm.
16. Lift from the pan, slice into squares, and serve cold.
Notes
Use fully softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
Cool the crust completely before adding the cream layer so the filling stays thick and neat.
Chill the bars long enough before slicing for clean layers and the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: strawberry crunch bars, easy dessert, dessert bars, strawberry dessert, cheesecake bars, summer desserts, party dessert, easy recipe, food ideas, dessert ideas